SC430 vs 2001 GS430?
07-22-06, 05:48 PM
#1
SC430 vs 2001 GS430?
So now that I bought an LS400 in addition to my 2001 GS430 I've been considering of trading the GS in for a 2002-2003 SC430, since I really don't need two big sedans. However I'm concerned with the fact that SC430 is apparently slower than the GS? How can this be? The SC is way lighter, and the engine is the same. I really love the SC, its one sexy beast, but I find even the GS to be somewhat underpowered, and really dont want to step down in power. But then again, if its a simple modification to reprogram the ECU or install one of these "performance chips", then I'm in.
07-22-06, 05:55 PM
#2
The SC430 weighs about 100lbs more than the GS430. The motorized top {i]has[/i] to weigh something, no? 
The SC430 also has a coefficient of drag of 0.31, while the GS430 has about 0.29. Will that difference of 0.02 make a difference? who knows. but that combined with the extra 100lbs will take a toll on acceleration, but who's to say the SC430 will be a world slower. You're essentially getting the same performance around the city. it's only when you take it to the drag where you can actually see the difference.
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The SC430 also has a coefficient of drag of 0.31, while the GS430 has about 0.29. Will that difference of 0.02 make a difference? who knows. but that combined with the extra 100lbs will take a toll on acceleration, but who's to say the SC430 will be a world slower. You're essentially getting the same performance around the city. it's only when you take it to the drag where you can actually see the difference.
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07-22-06, 06:03 PM
#3
Well on paper it looks like a significant difference, SC being low 6 seconds in 0-60 and low 15 seconds in 1/4 mile, compared to GS mid 5 and low 14. I know my LS400 feels damn slow compared to the GS.
Also, hows SC's reliability? I've had the GS for over a year, it now has 80k and not a single issue besides infamous lower ball joints.
Also, hows SC's reliability? I've had the GS for over a year, it now has 80k and not a single issue besides infamous lower ball joints.
07-22-06, 06:11 PM
#4
There's an occassional threads about some people having their battery died because they left their car off for too long (i'm talking over 1-2 weeks). If you're gonna drive your car at leave once a few days, then disregard this
I dont know if the SC430 has any other problems that's major. Maybe more things like annoyance than problems.
As for the 0-60 times, maybe the SC430 was mapped for more comfort than performance. I think that kind of defeats the purpose of "sports coupe".
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I dont know if the SC430 has any other problems that's major. Maybe more things like annoyance than problems.
As for the 0-60 times, maybe the SC430 was mapped for more comfort than performance. I think that kind of defeats the purpose of "sports coupe".
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07-22-06, 07:21 PM
#5
well the sc430 is a heavier coz' of the top. it's not that much 'smaller" than the gs anyway.
and ok, we need to get it straight. all times are just relative, and there are deviations. i have seen sc430 doing high 5s.
and about gs430? mid 5 and low 14s 1/4 mile? no way, that's definitely NOT the norm. at avg, the gs430 and the gs400 are pretty much the same, high 5s to low 6s 0-60, and then mid to high 14s (more into high 14s) for 1/4 mile.
a lot of guys, they have some real engine mods (tc, lsd, vb, etc...) on their gs4 and they still only manage to go low 14s. if the stock car does low 14s already, with those mods you would have see high 13s.
and about overall driving? trust me, for daily driving and what not, the gs430 and sc430 are about the same. the sc430 isn't really mapped more for comfort driving. i have gs400, and i have driven a lot of gs430. at the same time i have sc430. once you get used to the car and drive it right, both cars will go fast
for the record, i have beaten a few gs430 in my sc430, but still they were close races
and ok, we need to get it straight. all times are just relative, and there are deviations. i have seen sc430 doing high 5s.
and about gs430? mid 5 and low 14s 1/4 mile? no way, that's definitely NOT the norm. at avg, the gs430 and the gs400 are pretty much the same, high 5s to low 6s 0-60, and then mid to high 14s (more into high 14s) for 1/4 mile.
a lot of guys, they have some real engine mods (tc, lsd, vb, etc...) on their gs4 and they still only manage to go low 14s. if the stock car does low 14s already, with those mods you would have see high 13s.
and about overall driving? trust me, for daily driving and what not, the gs430 and sc430 are about the same. the sc430 isn't really mapped more for comfort driving. i have gs400, and i have driven a lot of gs430. at the same time i have sc430. once you get used to the car and drive it right, both cars will go fast
for the record, i have beaten a few gs430 in my sc430, but still they were close races
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07-22-06, 08:24 PM
#9
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I know of a 1992 sc400 that eats GS430 and SC430's for breakfast...Can win barely without nos too I think..... However I got to use the nos to beat out those new IS350 as those are quick cars at stock as I just raced one a few weeks ago and was suprised I had to hit the button to win... 
Sorry for boasting I was getting a little bored on the sc400 forum...Had to bust into the 430 section for kicks...
Sorry for boasting I was getting a little bored on the sc400 forum...Had to bust into the 430 section for kicks...
07-22-06, 09:44 PM
#10
Henry is right on with everything he stated up top.
Just to point out that any car can be made fast with the proper mods-even a Yugo.
Past that, SC430 will give a driving experience like no other Lexus. Period. Many SC430 owners have owned GS's well myself included. I am sure your wife will love the the idea of a Lexus convertible.
Just to point out that any car can be made fast with the proper mods-even a Yugo.
Past that, SC430 will give a driving experience like no other Lexus. Period. Many SC430 owners have owned GS's well myself included. I am sure your wife will love the the idea of a Lexus convertible.
07-22-06, 09:58 PM
#11
Moderator
If you want to go fast, just buy a Porsche. If you want a comfortable, elegant convertible, get an SC. I think you will like it a lot better than the GS, especially if you already have an LS. One car cannot cover all the bases.
And as far as I know, there's just one guy so far with that strange battery problem.
And as far as I know, there's just one guy so far with that strange battery problem.
07-22-06, 10:56 PM
#12
Super Moderator
Yes, the SC430 is actually heavier than the GS430, I think there's not much to seperate them in speed, but in stock form, the SC430 handles better than the GS430.
07-22-06, 11:09 PM
#13
Originally Posted by LexArazzo
Yes, the SC430 is actually heavier than the GS430, I think there's not much to seperate them in speed, but in stock form, the SC430 handles better than the GS430.
but i guess things change so much once you start modding
07-22-06, 11:11 PM
#14
Before I bought my SC430, I was looking into GS430 also.
If you drive both cars, you will not notice much difference in performance. I test drove both back to back. The only thing about SC is that suspension is softer compare to GS430 but I am pretty sure Tein CST can fix that along with Daizen Sway.
If you main concern is performance, I would not worry too much.
The only thing about the SC430 I really dislike is lack of aftermarket performance parts compare to GS but SC430 looks much better. I guess there are some trade off.
If you drive both cars, you will not notice much difference in performance. I test drove both back to back. The only thing about SC is that suspension is softer compare to GS430 but I am pretty sure Tein CST can fix that along with Daizen Sway.
If you main concern is performance, I would not worry too much.
The only thing about the SC430 I really dislike is lack of aftermarket performance parts compare to GS but SC430 looks much better. I guess there are some trade off.
07-23-06, 12:35 PM
#15
I had an SC400 and a GS before my currrent SC430. The SC was a dog stock, mostly due to the unresponsive 4-sp tranny (but also with only 260 hp), so no comparison to the last 2.
The GS is indeed 100 lbs lighter, and felt a bit quicker IMO. Lexus advertised 5.7 and 5.9 respectively, which were optimistic in both cases. Best numbers reported by magazines were 5.9 and 6.1, so about the same spread. Both cars have identical drivetrains, and I think even the differential has the same ratios, as I remember having the same 3K rpms around 90 in 5th gear. For some reason, the tranny on my SC feels more lethargic than the GS, and that adds to the feel of being slower. But at WOT, they're pretty even. Neither car is a drag racer, so if you strictly want performance, you're barking at the wrong tree. The SC is a luxury oriented car, and in that role, it has few equals. THe interior is the best I've been in, and its performance is perfectly adequate for me. Plus you have the convertible option, which makes the car so desirable. Good luck makiing up your mind, but with an LS already home, I'd definitely get the SC.
The GS is indeed 100 lbs lighter, and felt a bit quicker IMO. Lexus advertised 5.7 and 5.9 respectively, which were optimistic in both cases. Best numbers reported by magazines were 5.9 and 6.1, so about the same spread. Both cars have identical drivetrains, and I think even the differential has the same ratios, as I remember having the same 3K rpms around 90 in 5th gear. For some reason, the tranny on my SC feels more lethargic than the GS, and that adds to the feel of being slower. But at WOT, they're pretty even. Neither car is a drag racer, so if you strictly want performance, you're barking at the wrong tree. The SC is a luxury oriented car, and in that role, it has few equals. THe interior is the best I've been in, and its performance is perfectly adequate for me. Plus you have the convertible option, which makes the car so desirable. Good luck makiing up your mind, but with an LS already home, I'd definitely get the SC.